To verify if an IRS letter is real, log in to your secure IRS Online Account to check for matching notices, or search for the notice number (e.g., CP2000) on IRS.gov. Genuine letters arrive by mail, never email or text, and contain specific tax details, your partial Social Security Number, and a 800-number you can verify independently.
To tell if an IRS letter is real, check for typos and poor grammar, verify it contains specific personal info (like the last 4 of your SSN), look for an official notice number (CP or LTR) and logo, and ensure it doesn't demand immediate payment via gift cards or threaten arrest, as scammers do. If in doubt, log into your secure IRS Online Account or call an official IRS phone number (not one from the letter) to verify.
If you can't verify online
Call us at the phone number on your notice. The number is for identity and tax return verification only. Other tax information, such as refund status, is not available.
100% scam go to irs.gov and get a number for the fraud department and send them a copy of the letter. Do not give anyone your social security number or even verify the last 4 of it that is a way for you to get scammed even fraudulent lawsuits for judgments against you.
Look for the official IRS logo and letterhead, including the correct address and phone number. Dates should be recent, accurate, and accurately formatted (month spelled out), and they should include official IRS security or file numbers you can refer to for more information. A fake letter won't have this information.
You can find digital copies of most IRS notices in your online account, under the 'Notices and Letters' section.
Report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Hotline or call 800-366-4484.
The IRS does sometimes send letters requesting identity verification. If your return triggered certain fraud filters, they might pause processing until they confirm you are the actual, real person who filed. This doesn't mean you did anything wrong. In fact, it's a protective measure.
Sign in to verify your identity and tax return
Sign in or create an account, then answer a few questions to verify your return. If you create an account, you may need to sign in again to complete your return verification.
Article #: 13591. Last Updated: November 03, 2025. The IRS sends out letters 5071C or 4883C that require taxpayers to verify identity before the IRS will continue processing a tax return. The letter details the process that the IRS requires to validate their identities.
The IRS may send these identify fraud letters to taxpayers:
Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft with Online Option: This tells the taxpayer to use an online tool to verify their identity and tax return information. If the taxpayer didn't file, they can let the IRS know with the online tool.
A genuine HMRC letter will always include your unique taxpayer reference (UTR) or tax reference number. Look out for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or issues with the HMRC logo or letterhead; genuine letters are professional and free of such flaws.
To tell if an IRS letter is real, check for typos and poor grammar, verify it contains specific personal info (like the last 4 of your SSN), look for an official notice number (CP or LTR) and logo, and ensure it doesn't demand immediate payment via gift cards or threaten arrest, as scammers do. If in doubt, log into your secure IRS Online Account or call an official IRS phone number (not one from the letter) to verify.
A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return. Taking prompt action could minimize additional interest and penalty charges.
A real IRS letter has accurate personal details (name, last 4 SSN digits), professional formatting, a specific notice number, and offers due process; fake letters often have generic greetings, spelling errors, threats (arrest/deportation), demand immediate payment via gift cards/wire transfers, or ask for personal info via links/emails, which the IRS never does, and you can verify real notices by logging into your secure IRS online account or calling official numbers.
An IRS letter typically arrives in a white envelope with the IRS logo, includes a notice or letter number, and clearly states the reason for contact, such as taxes owed or a request for information. If you receive an IRS letter, don't panic. Review it carefully and respond to it as quickly as possible.
We may send you a notice or letter if: You have a balance due. Your refund has changed. We have a question about your return.
The IRS Integrity and Verification Operation unit sends out letter 4464C to inform you they have chosen to verify the accuracy of your return. The IRS issues this letter after a tax return has been filed but before the refund is issued.
Request a transcript from the IRS
The IRS mails letters or notices to taxpayers for a variety of reasons including:
Most 4883C Letters direct taxpayers to call or visit an IRS office. Online verification is more common with Letter 5071C. If your 4883C includes online instructions, follow them. Otherwise, use the toll-free number or an in-person appointment to verify your identity.